Read an Excerpt
Things Seen and Heard by Many
Life Experiences
By W. Thomas Love iUniverse
Copyright © 2015 W. Thomas Love
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4917-4465-9
CHAPTER 1
The Church
I observed ninety churches from 2003 and 2008. I saw only one church's Sunday school that properly represented its membership. That church was Bartholomew M.B. Church of Garlandville, Mississippi, in Jasper County. Most churches had a shortage of participation from the men in the community. Sunday school is guided by a Sunday school book but most do not follow it. Most Sunday school teachers are not prepared to teach the lesson, and we end up with aimless discussions.
The church members' faith is based on attendance and not on sound doctrinal action. The Great Commission is never emphasized. They seem to think God just wants them to show up at the church even if they are late. It looks as though they have reduced God to a role equal to their mom and dad. If they love God, their emotion does not support their love. There is no spirit-filled obedience to love anyone or anything, not even God.
The Dim Church
If the church is the light of the world, why is the world so dark? If the church is displaying love, why are babies born without hearts?
If it is fulfilling its commission, then why are so many souls lost? How can a church be a church and stray so far from the cross?
What are the real reasons people attend church? What are the real reasons people do not attend church?
What if the attendance reasons are one and the same? One expects God to accept a half-hearted attempt and the other calls it a game.
A game is a game, and half-hearted attempts are common. The true church is not a game, and half-hearted attempts will doom someone.
Tithes are not strictly used to help build God's kingdom. Tithes are used by men to achieve a worldly position.
The man who pays more has got to be more in charge. He owns a major part of the church building and all decisions are his to judge.
The pastor's directions take a back seat to the major shareholders. The church has de-emphasized God and placed emphasis on the wishes of the controllers.
The controller only wishes to bring worldly glory to himself. The Dim church's sheep blindly follow these goats to their death.
The Dim church is responsible for all the first world's ills. A dead and decaying church is the work of men, not God's will.
You think the world is bad now? You "ain't seen nothing yet." Death and destruction wait on the horizon, and they are a sure bet.
The church is blessed with many comforts, but the church is wasting valuable time.
The church is selfish and confused, but it still does not want to be left behind.
If the church is not righteous, all of your effort cannot make it right. If imperfect knowledge is sent out into the world, the world will throw it back.
With an overabundance of beautiful buildings, the churches are not thankful but complain.
The churches seldom offer a genuine prayer, and God still bails the church out over and over again.
The church think it's bad now but they have not seen how bad it will get. The corrupt church has not corrupted all of the third world yet.
What Christ stood for can manifest itself in any man. The love of God and the love of man are written in the heart of others who aren't Christians.
Denominational fighting is caused by emphasis on a name and not the heart.
Man is not an exact copy of each other; differences are the will of God.
The major argument of the Dim church is based on semantics and ritual. The church talks and practices God in everything even on Sunday religious festivals.
Sunday school is a timed event that starts at 9:30 and is completed one hour later.
One hundred sixty-seven hours with the devil and one hour with God are not going to make us better.
Some churches only stay for that one hour and then go home. Twenty-three hours of God's day is left for the devil to prey on.
The Dim church does everything according to routine. A church on automatic is doomed to fail the test.
The Dim church is routinely late for Sunday school and the main message. Our society decays because of untimely and incomplete tutelage.
Man must be inspired to seek the truth, but where is inspiration? Inspiration cannot be found in the Dim church because the Dim church has lost its foundation.
The Dim church has lost its way and does not know which direction to go. An uninspired church cannot teach that which it does not know.
The Dim church has replaced God's perfection with its own superficial standards. This world's gods have replaced Jehovah in the Dim church's heart.
The Dim church expects God to accept any vain attempts at worship. Money takes priority over salvation as the primary reason for fellowship.
The Dim church wants members for the size and the money they bring. There is no spirit in how they worship and no emotion in the songs they sing.
In the Dim church they do not understand the lyrics to the song. In fact, a few words and the melody are all that are required to sing along.
The Dim church is not about seeking the lost souls. Their half-hearted attempts have self-salvation goals.
The Dim church never examines its purpose or itself. When this church should be going right, it continues to follow the misdirected left.
The farsighted hypocrites have the nerve to select a sin to criticize. They see the sin in the distance and not the sin in their eyes. Homosexuality is in the distance but fornication and adultery is in the pew. Fornication and adultery damn more souls and cause more pain too.
The Dim church condones dating and pre-marital sex. These sinful acts were with us long before the gays came out of the closet.
These sins have always been out in the open for everyone to see and participate. Priority one is the sins that cause the greatest harm like the sexual sins and hate.
Every sin of man was responsible for Sodom and Gomorrah's fire. Rampant homosexuality is an indicator of man's uncontrolled sinful desire.
This repulsive sin is supported by many heterosexual sins of the flesh. The deviate heterosexual world with its perversion is now in a greater mess.
The hetero sexual world thinks they are hiding the abnormal things they do. What they don't know is that their pre-teens have got their vulgar books and videos too.
These arousal tools are creating the reaction they were designed to create. Open your eyes, Church! To awaken the sinful flesh of a child is a major mistake.
Ill-prepared adults in these waters have written their name in hell. A society that throws its children to the devil is terminally ill and has already failed.
It is just a matter of time before the end comes. We have lost our children because the devil has won.
The self-righteous Dim church will not examine the path it has chosen to follow. The Dim churches exist in a dark world and nobody knows which way to go.
The Dim church cannot orientate new converts to what is right. The blind Dim church cannot lead ignorant blind converts to the light.
It is impossible to compute what it would take to bring the Dim church back in line. The Dim church cannot repair what is not broke in their mind.
It is impossible to comprehend how long this decadence has been going on. Each generation adds some novel moral deterioration and the sum is passed along.
It was the Dim church of early America that emphasized man's inalienable rights.
Matthew 25:31-46 implies that rights are not transferable for Red, Yellow, White and Black.
The Dim church gave the Red and Black man alienable rights and went to church. They knew the god of money, but with the real God they were out of touch.
Generation after generation lived and died in hypocritical sin. The Dim churches still love money more than men.
The Royal Law, "... love thy neighbor as thyself", has never played a part. A half-hearted effort is all that is available from people with half a heart.
1 Corinthians Chapter 13 is missing from the Bible of men filled with hate. The Dim church must install Christ's New Commandment of John 13: 34-35 before it is too late.
In the Dim church the cycles of dim awareness regenerates and proliferates itself.
Soon all good Christian churches will be sucked into this cycle of death.
This next section will cover some characteristics of a few churches visited. In most of the churches visited there was poor Sunday school attendance. A church with 75 members in attendance for the 11 o'clock service may have as little as 5 adult members in Sunday school. The next churches offered something unique that made them noteworthy.
1. Doris Street Church of God (Moss Point, MS)
2. Mt. Zion (Enterprise, MS)
3. St. John of Jasper County
4. St. John of Moss Point, MS
A Day of Appreciation at the Doris Street Church of God A day that represents gratitude is also a day of appreciation. Many times we are giving thanks to God through seemingly earthly expressions.
We honor God when we honor the righteous deeds of man. The value of the moment is an acknowledgement that our brother's goodness is directed by God's hand.
We can esteem the creator by appreciating his creation. When you set aside a holy day, you are thanking God for sending another holy son.
Expressions of appreciation can represent something or someone of value to you. Loving tributes are often sent out, but love is perpetual; it will return too.
Even the thought of honoring someone is based on a quality assessment. All praise shown to God's children is also a God's kingdom enhancement.
All of us present receive a blessing from the appreciation shown today. Love for others is a homesteader, if you open the door it will stay.
Your love manifests itself in the time you have taken to show appreciation. What you are really saying is "thank you Brother and Sister Cunningham for a job well done."
Father's Day at Mt. Zion
God has blessed many gifted fathers
of the Mt. Zion Community.
Each father was unique and
had his own specialty.
There was Mr. D. Hall who always looked majestic
while he was riding his beautiful horse.
Mr. Ollie Clark was an avid churchgoer
who always walked the right course.
Cousin Zep Hawkins, who lived alone but
never a stranger did he meet.
Mr. Andres McKendrick was one of God's men
who sat high in the deacon seat.
Uncle Cleve was a strong, honest, super worker
with a big heart.
Mr. Big Andres McKendrick, a dedicated holy man
who gave us all our Christian training.
Cousin Peter showed us how to seek and to excel.
Daddy Frank, a man with a big heart,
gave away far more than he could ever sell;
Mr. Joe Bester taught us valuable lessons in self sufficiency.
Mr. Elijah Anderson was a quiet dignified
man who epitomized peace.
Uncle Joe who gave much of his free time
to help us along the roadway.
Mr. Bud Martin taught us how to give
the Lord His day.
These are just a few of the fathers
who have passed this way.
Each one of us will leave
a legacy some day.
Whatever we leave, let us make sure
that it is good.
And may God bless Mt. Zion,
the little church near the edge of the woods.
St. John of Jasper County, MS
Deep into the green, brown and yellow woods I found St. John. It is a place of God and a doorway to His home.
People come from far and near to this Holy place. One thing they have in common is a friendly face.
This is Jasper County, MS, near the Clarke County line. For one hundred and thirty- eight years this place has changed with time.
The building has changed and perhaps the people changed too. But when it comes to praising God, most of the people know what to do.
Friendly is what they are and enthusiasm is what they live. I've only visited St. John twice, but I found love; they freely give.
I found people who rank above average and some above excellent. My time with St. John brought tears of joy and was well spent.
I met four wonderful deacons who were the epitome of God's "Mighty Men" It is a good day when you find true brothers and friends.
They saw me off and set a date for my return. There is still hope for this world is the lesson I learned.
Pastor Spencer was led by the Spirit because his decision came too fast to be his alone. He gave the task to his four fine deacons that he could depend upon.
Deacons Terry Cooley, David Collins, C.B. Buxton and David Smith are men of "good degree, and great boldness in the faith."
Without a strong body that is bold in the faith, the head will fall and break.
The church is a team that must be synergized into a Holy mission. Every team must be encouraged to stay the course by praise champions.
Sisters Josephine Horne, Jennifer Walker and Brenda Durr are praise champions extraordinaire. They encouraged and motivated the body and showed the body how to care.
There were many children at St. John, and I think they can change this world. God's purity and man's Holy righteousness begin in the hearts of boys and girls.
The Pastor is the shepherd, but Jesus Christ is the Head. With Pastor Tyrone Spencer's leadership this church has remained above the dead.
Yes!!! This was a good day at St. John, the little church in the wood. I saw my Jesus that day, and it did my spirit good.
St. John, the Little Church of Moss Point, MS
A unique body of people with a common goal, this body deals in the essence of the soul.
Everybody has a place and a talent to give. They come together to learn and show others how to live.
Yes! These are the Good Ones. This group makes up the body of St. John.
They can achieve because a good head directs this body. Without a good head, everything comes up poor and shoddy.
In this group there are different branches that make up the whole. All have unique talents and they are all special souls.
Christ is the head of St. John and the members are closely knit. The choir is small, but it is as good as choirs get.
Rev. Gholar is the second head, and he does Christ's will. The church is a success because he has the head-man skill.
Rev. Gholar is the minister who does his job well. He pulls souls from the grasp of hell.
Rev. Gholar is Christ's assistant down here on Earth. He is a working minister who puts souls first.
Whatever the occasion he always leads the way. He is always on time, even on a workday.
He has brought together a church of very unique souls but with two common motivations: they can sing and salvation is their goal.
I can tell you about some of his people, and what they offer the church. I can't tell you about them all —I would have to write too much.
Sister Jones is the strong mother who keeps us in line. She reminds us of our duties makes sure we are on time.
Sister White takes care of the money and the finances. She purchases our materials and there is nothing left to chance.
Sister Williams is the official who directs the flow. She's a nurse at times but always the keeper of the door.
And there is Karen, a role model for all the young people to see. The way she conducts a devotion makes her a role model for old me. And there is Adreain, an old young man, a dynamic spirit with extraordinary maturity in his hand.
This group makes up the nucleus of a fine little church. The church is growing because newer people are contributing so much.
The force behind the church is our enthusiastic minister. He keeps the church flowing and won't let it falter.
It is from the head that we get everything we know. This head has made a little church grow.
St. John has an abundance of voices that can sing a song, songs that take you to the mountain top and songs that keep you warm.
Sister Gill added growth to this church. She brought a worker's mind and a nightingale's voice we love so much.
Sister Norton came with great energy and expectation. She reads her Bible, because she always has great explanations.
This is the power of a little church that is led by a saint. They have much love to give and will welcome you among the ranks.
The head of this church promotes a positive attitude and love. This is because the reverend's ministry is directed from above.
There are other men here to see. Brother Rudolph has always been an inspiration to me.
Brother Dudly Colvin is becoming a stabilizing force. His presence enriches all of us, and inspires the kids to stay the course.
Yes! St. John is a little church with lots of good features: a great minister, a willing membership, and great Sunday school teachers.
A Sunday school that runs overtime has to be doing something right. The discussion is long, time is short, but the Word has might.
The church has singers; it is full to the brim. They sing everything from modern Gospel to old-fashioned hymns.
Some specialize in highs, some middle, and still some lows. When Adreain brings this choir together, there is a smooth flow.
Sister Jones has the best projection and Sister Karen has the range. Sister Gill's specialty is the hymns and Adreain can do anything.
Oh! Yeah! St. John makes music to go with the hymns. We have three musicians named Phat, Tee, and Tim.
These musicians can sing too and that is a fact. Sing well — especially that drummer called "Phat."
There are lots more people — I don't have time to tell you about them. You need to come visit our Sunday school, and service and sing a few hymns.
God bless this little church I know it is special to you. God help it grow in the right way, and remain loyal too.
Rev. Gholar, you've got yourself a church – A group of people who respect and love you very much.
GOD BLESS ST. JOHN!
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Things Seen and Heard by Many by W. Thomas Love. Copyright © 2015 W. Thomas Love. Excerpted by permission of iUniverse.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
